Writing on a Deadline

So I recently experienced something new – I had a deadline to write a blog post.

If I were an organized would-be writer, then I’d frequently have deadlines to write blog posts. Unfortunately, I’m not nearly as organized as I’d like to me. This deadline, though, had some weight behind it. Not only was there a deadline for publication – beyond my own meager channels – but there was an opportunity, an opportunity the likes of which I don’t know I’ve ever had before.

Every November, I join thousands of other writers – some would-be, some more focused – in the craziness that is NaNoWriMo – where we all work to write 50,000 words by the end of the month. Some years are definitely zanier than others, and working in retail dominant industries tends to make any sort of November project a bit of a struggle. However, when I was first introduced to NaNoWriMo in 2013 (while in the midst of the single worst job I’ve ever had, and it wasn’t even in the retail industry), I found something to direct my energies towards. I’ve won more than I haven’t over the last 8 years, but it’s more about the journey now. And that journey took a delightful turn a few weeks ago.

As a constant NaNoWriMo-er, I read through the frequent emails and often follow a few rabbit holes when it comes to articles and…errr…shopping. Won’t lie, had an order arrive just today. A 60 Days of Prep & Pep calendar that I’m super excited to start using. Also went back and ordered a sweatshirt…what can I say, it’s for a good cause.

Anyway, I digress. So, the whole writing on a timeline thing started when I responded to a request from NaNoWriMo headquarters for blog post topics. I was literally just starting to clear my own headspace to get back to writing (I took an unfortunately amount of time off this summer), and I was inspired to share with others the different facets that go into having a fresh slate to start November 1st. I was shocked and downright giddy when I learned my idea had been chosen. I GOT TO WRITE FOR NANOWRIMO!!! I realize that for some people, like most of my friends and family, have very little idea why I’m so excited about this. But I’m still buzzing.

Now, to come off my emotional high, actually writing the article turned out to be one of those rare moments that I was staring at a completely blank page with no idea where to go from there. However, after sitting with my empty screen for a few minutes, I remembered that I’m more of a “pantster”, for all that I say I’m a “plantster” – I do so much better with an element of spontaneity to my writing. Which is funny, cause I am very methodical about most things in life – just not writing. Anyway, I finally sat back, and let ideas just go – no rhyme, no reason. I just wrote about my process, what I love about NaNoWriMo, etc. And then I got to work editing. In the end, I was pretty proud of my accomplishment. I had performed on a deadline for the first time since college. I had managed to write for more than just myself. And I had been accepted. It’s funny (and a topic I’m sure to talk about again at a later date) how much acceptance can mean to would-be writers. It tells us we’re not alone, and that maybe we’re going to become full fledged writers after all.

Thanks for stopping by – if anyone else is participating in NaNoWriMo this year, please don’t be a stranger.

Until next time…

But here’s the link too, cause, you know, I have to share at this point LOL 🙂

Having a Clear Start to NaNoWriMo